Cabinet considered the report regarding the results of the recent consultation and its implementation. 

The Deputy Leader of the Council, Resident and Leisure Services, HR, IT, Legal, Performance Management and Windsor informed Cabinet that the report for consideration was regarding library opening hours following the delayed public consultation.  On 25 February 2020 the budget was passed and it was agreed to conduct a public consultation to reduce library opening hours in order to make a saving of £145,000.  It was also proposed to close Eton library and closing one of the container stops. 

The consultation had to be delayed due to the pandemic and went live in September 2020 for 12 weeks.  She was pleased to say that there were 1850 responses which was the highest for any consultation undertaken by the Royal Borough.   The consultation had been extensive using a variety engagement methods.   The results had been used to adapt the original proposals and this included later opening times and weekend opening hours.  It was clear that those who used the service appreciated the offer.   The digital offer was praised, but residents also appreciated being able to browse books.  Our libraries ranked third in the country for visits per 100,00 per head of population. 

Cllr Jones informed that she wished to comment on the feedback from Old Windsor that showed they were understanding of the need for the council to save money but they were willing to work with the council with reduced hours.  They therefore feel let down by seeing proposals to close the library in the previous report.

Cllr Bhangra reiterated what was said in the previous report regarding trying to keep Boyn Grove library operational.  It was an important centre for the community servicing children and adults, including those with learning difficulties. He wanted assurance that everything possible was being done to keep libraries open.  The Lead Member responded by saying they would be doing everything possible to keep libraries open. 

Cllr Sharpe mentioned that he was a big supporter of libraries and that they were important community assets.  He said he was concerned about those who may be excluded by the digital offer especially as many libraries were used by the elderly.  Reduced opening hours in the morning, especially over winter months, would make it harder for them to access services.   There needed to be a balance between opening hours so the facilities could be used to their full potential. 

The Deputy Chairman of Cabinet, Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, Health and Mental Health reiterated what Cllr Bhangra had said and asked if the Lead Member would join with them to put a letter together to the minister asking for contingency funding for libraries.

Resolved unanimously:  that That Cabinet notes the report and:

i)          Subject to the outcome of the Library Transformation Strategy Consultation, approves the new schedule of Library Opening Hours detailed in Appendix B.

ii)         Delegates authority to the Director of Resources in consultation with the Lead Member for Lead Member for Resident and Leisure Services, HR, IT, Legal, Performance Management and Windsor, to make minor adjustments to library opening hours schedules as the need arises.